(From Nikon Press Release) Nikon Inc. has announced the 24.3-megapixel D600, a camera that is designed to deliver the image quality and performance benefits of a full frame FX-format sensor to the enthusiast looking to take their dedication to the next level. The Nikon D600 offers a remarkable value, merging the perfect combination of a lightweight, compact form factor and superior image quality, making the leap into FX-format photography more attractive than ever.

Whether shooting stills or Full HD video, advanced features and Nikon technologies like the newly developed high resolution CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 image processing engine are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding creative vision. Additionally, Nikon’s new optional WU-1b wireless adapter allows users to shoot high quality HD-SLR images and transfer them to their mobile device, making it easier to stay connected, without the need for wires.

“For many, image making is so much more than a hobby; it is a way of life that changes the way the world is perceived. The Nikon D600 represents a new category of camera for this user and demonstrates Nikon’s devotion to the passionate photographer who is always looking for new ways to express their creativity through their photos and HD videos,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “By offering users the advanced FX-format and key features inherited from our professional cameras, along with new functions like optional wireless capabilities, Nikon is inspiring photographers by providing an imaging experience that satisfies like never before.“

with minimal noise and accurate color. The full ISO range can also be used while capturing HD video in challenging light. Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED 3 image processing engine interprets the massive amount of image data flowing from the sensor to quickly process images and HD video. The result is striking images and impressive HD video that exhibits faithful color reproduction and tonal range throughout the frame.

Precision Technology Engineered for the EnthusiastEnthusiasts of all types demand the best from their gear, and the Nikon D600 is a camera engineered with intuitive features that give photographers an edge in the field. Whether shooting lush landscapes, action sports or the elusive animals of the Serengeti, Nikon’s Scene Recognition System and 2,016 pixel RGB sensor excels in any situation. By recognizing the scene prior to capture, the system meticulously analyzes factors such as color and brightness with extraordinary precision and compares all the data using Nikon’s exclusive 30,000 image database. The result is enhanced AF performance and flattering exposures.

For precise AF performance in a wide variety of shooting conditions, the D600 features a 39 point AF system with the new MultiCAM 4800FX AF module. This AF array is well suited to a wide variety of shooting styles and disciplines, offering AF modes to let users select a single point, continuous AF, Dynamic AF or use 3D tracking to keep pace with a moving subject throughout the frame. Additionally, the system features nine cross type sensors for maximum accuracy, while seven AF points are fully functional when using compatible NIKKOR lenses and teleconverters with an aperture value up to f/8 for extreme telephoto applications.

To keep up with action sports, active wildlife or the photo opportunity that unexpectedly arises, the D600 is ready to shoot in 0.13 seconds, with a 0.052 second shutter release. The camera emphasizes speed and performance, from overall operation and image processing, helped in part by the exceptional EXPEED 3 processing engine. The camera is also capable of bursts of images at 5.5 frames per second (fps) at full resolution with full AF, to capture decisive moments. To further enhance speed and workflow, images and video can also be rapidly transferred to dual SD card slots that are compatible with the latest SDXC and UHS-1 high speed standards.

Enthusiasts will also appreciate other thoughtful features made to appeal to more advanced photographers, such as the 100% frame coverage seen through optical viewfinder. The wide and bright view makes it easy to compose in a variety of conditions, and affords the ability to enjoy shooting for hours on end with minimal eye fatigue. Additionally, the D600 features several scene modes and features to enhance creativity, including one-touch access to Picture Control functions through a new dedicated button. Photographers can also shoot images in High Dynamic (HDR) mode for amazing highlights, and create awe-inspiring time lapses with ease.

Experience Full HDThe Nikon D600 has advanced video features that are ideal for those ready to embrace the world of HD-SLR video, as well as those already enjoying its benefits such as manual control, depth of field, low-light ability and lensing options. This camera gives users the ability to record Full HD at varying frame rates and resolutions including 1080p video at 30, 25 or 24p, and 720p video at 60, 50 and 30p. When shooting HD video at the highest quality setting, up to 20 minutes can be recorded, or up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds in normal quality for added convenience when shooting static shots such as interviews and events. The large 3.2-inch 921K dot LCD screen makes it easy to preview images or video captured, navigate the menu system or confirm critical HD focus, while automatic brightness control adapts seamlessly to changing lighting conditions.

Sophisticated video features help to increase the production value on any project, including full manual control of exposure, and the ability to switch between FX and DX-format (1.5X) at Full HD for a telephoto boost and alter depth of field. Users can opt to focus manually or can take advantage of the full-time AF while recording to help ensure faces are in focus or track a moving subject. Additionally, videographers have the ability to capture audio with the onboard microphone or record stereo audio externally using the mic input. Audio can be monitored through the headphone jack and levels can be displayed on the LCD with peaking.

In addition to the ability to play back HD video and images through the HDMI terminal, users are also able to experience pro-grade video features in the Nikon D600. For monitoring and streaming applications, the image can be displayed on the LCD screen while simultaneously shown on another monitor through the HDMI, with or without shooting data. What’s more, the D600 adds the ability to transfer uncompressed video via the HDMI connection, which can then be routed to a digital recorder or similar device.

Remote Sharing and CapturePhotography is a form of expression, which can now be shared more ways than ever before through social networks and online communities. To accompany the D600, Nikon has also announced the optional WU-1b Wireless Adapter that allows users to connect wirelessly to the camera. A companion Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application for Android™ based mobile devices is also available at no additional cost.1 Furthermore, an application for the iPhone® and iPad® mobile digital devices will be available on September 15, 2012.2

When connected, users are able to share their images taken with the D600 through their mobile device to their social circles, as well as send and download images from their camera to a compatible device.3 The adapter also allows users to remotely fire the D600’s shutter from up to 50 feet from the camera, which is ideal for capturing photos from unique vantage points.

NIKKOR, Speedlight and System CompatibilitySupporting the D600 is Nikon’s heritage in optical excellence, more than 70 NIKKOR AF and AF-S compatible lenses for maximum versatility. Those with DX-format lenses will also be happy to know that these lenses can also be used on the camera as well as the ability to set DX crop for stills or video to extend the reach of telephoto or telephoto zoom lenses.

The new Nikon HD-SLR is also a gateway to Nikon’s renowned Creative Lighting System (CLS) which illuminates a whole new world of creative image making using multiple Speedlights. A built-in Speedlight commander can control multiple Speedlights such as Nikon’s SB-700, SB-910 or Wireless Close Up Speedlight System, and the camera can also control up to two individual speedlight groups for further creative control.

Constructed to InspireBuilt to withstand the wide variety of shooting conditions enthusiasts face, the body of the D600 is sealed and gasketed against dirt and moisture. The camera uses magnesium alloy top and rear construction to provide a lightweight camera with maximum durability. The shutter has been tested for 150,000 cycles, and sensor cleaning is also employed. The battery is rated for approximately 900 shots, affording photographers the ability to shoot all day. Additionally, the optional MB-D14 Multi PowerBattery Pack extends the grip for comfort and can effectively double the battery capacity when using two batteries.

The D600 is also built with an emphasis on handling with thoughtful ergonomics and button placement, in a body that is compact enough to carry comfortably on any excursion. The hand grip has been improved for comfort, while the overall impression from using the camera is reassuringly solid. To avoid accidental engagement, the shutter button has been recessed, while the Mode Dial can be locked.

Price and AvailabilityThe Nikon D600 will be available on September 18, 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of US$2,099.95, for body only, or with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR for the SRP of US$2,699.95. The WU-1b will be also available on September 18, 2012 for an SRP of US$59.95. The MB-D14 Multi Power Battery Pack will be available in late September for an SRP of US$322.00.

1Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.2 iPad ,iPhone and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.3The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility Application must be installed on the smart device before it can be used with the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter connected to the Nikon D600. The application can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play™. for use with an Android platform smartphone (2.3 series or later) and tablet (3.0 series or later). For the iOS mobile platform, the application can be downloaded free of charge from iTunes® online store on September 15, 2012 for use with iOS version 5.1 or 5.1.1.

Let's start with the elephant in the room; the dirty sensor problem. Many people have reported about dust and dirt on the sensor of their brand new D600. Mostly in the upper left corner of the sensor. You can try to clean it, but it often comes back after a few clicks. It's probably a manufacturing defect and Nikon knows about this. If your camera has this problem, send it to the store or a Nikon Service Point for repair. When you get it back, it should be fine.

The resolution and dynamic range of this camera are absolutely amazing. To get the most out of it, you'll need a good lens. Good lenses can be very expensive, but you'll be rewarded with stunning detail. The RAW files are very flexible because a lot of information is stored in them. Nothing beats a large sensor (sorry Fuji).

High ISO image quality is great. I loved the D700 sensor and now we have even better quality with double the amount of pixels. I feel comfortable using the D600 up to ISO1600. No detail is lost and dynamic range is still very good. ISO3200 is more then usable, but noise is creeping in. At ISO6400 noise starts to become clearly visible and dynamic range is suffering. I'm amazed however about how much detail is preserved at these extreme ISO settings.

I like the way the D600 looks and feels. It's like a D7100 on steroids. I think the ergonomics of these cameras are very much alike. The grip is nice and deep and the rubber provides a good grip. The camera is not too light and not too heavy. It's size makes it comfortable to hold (for me).

The buttons feel good, not too soft. The placement of the ISO button is not very smart though and I don't like (or need) the lock on the mode dial. I hope a future firmware update will make it possible to assign the ISO function to one of the programmable buttons. It will make it easier to change the ISO setting while looking through the viewfinder. I'll send Nikon an email about this.

The four way controller on the back is responsive, but a bit small. Also, the OK button can't be used to zoom in to 100% view during playback. That's a function I really miss on this camera. I hope a future firmware update will solve this little problem.

The viewfinder is big, relatively bright and it covers 100% of the image. This is great. I often wonder why viewfinders in old cameras like the Nikon FM are so much better and brighter then the modern ones. Try one and you'll know what I mean. Looking through any modern viewfinder is like closing the aperture to f/11 and then using the depth of field preview button.

Autofocus is quick and accurate. The AF points are all clustered in the center portion of the image though. I sometimes find the thin lines of the small AF points a little difficult to see. Luckily they light up when half pressing the shutter button.

The LCD is sharp and clear and battery life is good. I always carry a spare battery anyway. It's also nice that the D600 is weather sealed. It will protect the camera when you get caught in the rain or some other moist environment.

All in all the D600 is a great camera that is comfortable to use and it delivers excellent image quality. I would have given ten points for build quality, but the dirt problem, ISO button placement and mode dial lock knocked one point of for me.

3cameradog

Registered: October 2012Posts: 1

Nikon D600 review by 3cameradog

Review Date: 10/26/2012

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7

Pros:

Full frame digital at a reasonable price.

Cons:

None so far.

As Thom Hogan said, "A D3X in a D7000 body at 1/3 the price." I was compelled to buy it. It is what I have been waiting for ever since Kodak marketed the 12 megapixel 14n crammed into a Nikon N80 for $5000. I could not, not buy it.

I could care less about live view or movies. Although both are relatively easy to use. And video is 1080P. Just in case. I already have the D7000 and a Fujifilm XPro-1 and lots of lenses. I am done. Leave me alone. I am going out to shoot pictures.